Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has statutory powers to prevent the (a) merger and (b) closure of GP services.

The Health and Care Act 2022 included new powers in the National Health Service Act 2006, giving my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, increased oversight of, and the option for earlier involvement in reconfiguration of services within the NHS.

Where there are concerns about a proposal by an NHS commissioner for a reconfiguration of NHS services, either relating to the process that has been followed or where the decision is not in the best interests of the health service in the area, then the Secretary of State may intervene under new powers introduced on 31 January 2024. This may include where there are concerns about a commissioner’s decision to merge or close a general practice (GP).

The closure of a GP surgery is an issue that is considered and decided upon by local commissioners following an application from a GP provider.

Practices close for a variety of reasons, including mergers or retirement, and so do not necessarily indicate a reduction in the quality of care. When a practice does close, patients are informed of the closure and advised to register at another local practice of their choice within their area.

Commissioners are accountable for ensuring that patients have access to a GP practice. In the event of a closure, commissioners will assess the need for a replacement provider before transferring patients to alternative practices when a GP surgery closes.